What makes Jeremiah special?

The prophet Jeremiah lived during a time of great change for God’s people. The tiny kingdom of Judah was caught in the middle of the struggle between old and new empires fighting to gain power over the region. Jeremiah began to serve as God’s prophet in 627 B.C. when he was a young man, possibly less than 20 years old, and continued until shortly after the Babylonians captured Judah’s capital city, Jerusalem, in 586 B.C. During Jeremiah’s time as prophet he warned the kings, priests, and people of Judah of their coming doom.

We also know much about the feelings this prophet had for God’s people. Jeremiah felt God’s anger and sadness as the people turned away from God and stubbornly pursued their own ways. Jeremiah also was made to suffer in order to show the suffering that Judah would have to experience. During Jeremiah’s lifetime Judah was conquered by the Babylonians from the east, and many of its leaders and people were taken into exile. But Judah’s defeat was not God’s last word. Jeremiah sent a message of comfort and hope to those who went into exile: God promises to make a new agreement with God’s people in the future (Jer 30–31).

Why was Jeremiah written?

Jeremiah likely knew the message of Hosea, the prophet who had spoken to Israel over a hundred years earlier. Their messages are alike. Both Jeremiah and Hosea told the people to be faithful to the Lord, who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt and kept the promise to give them a land of their own. Jeremiah’s message was a strong reminder that God’s people were to base their lives on the agreement (covenant) the Lord God made with Moses and their ancestors at Mount Sinai. They were to obey God’s Law above everything else.

But the people sinned by worshiping other gods. The leaders trusted their own military strength and the power of foreign countries rather than depending on the Lord to protect their nation. So, Jeremiah had two main messages for Judah. First, he warned that Judah would be defeated and its holy city Jerusalem would be destroyed. And second, because God continued to love the people, he would make a new agreement with the people after their punishment was over (Jer 31.31-34). Disaster is certain, but the future is filled with hope.

What’s the story behind the scene?

Jeremiah’s message was delivered during the reign of the last five kings of Judah, beginning in the “thirteenth year that Josiah was king of Judah” (627 B.C.). Josiah was considered a good king, who made a series of reforms that were based on a scroll containing parts of the book of Deuteronomy. This scroll, discovered in the Jerusalem temple around 621 B.C., prompted Josiah to get rid of foreign gods in the Jerusalem temple and to encourage the people to turn back to the Lord.

Josiah also wanted to reestablish the empire of Israel as it was in the days of David and Solomon. This meant trying to break free from the powerful Assyrian Empire, which had defeated Israel’s northern tribes in 722 B.C., and escape from the influence of Egypt, Judah’s powerful neighbor to the west. However, Josiah was killed by the Egyptians in battle at Megiddo in 609 B.C. Josiah’s son Jehoahaz ruled for three months in 609 B.C., but then the Egyptian ruler set Jehoiakim (ruled 609-598 B.C.) on the throne of Judah.

King Jehoiakim brought back the worship of foreign gods, which Josiah had banished from Judah. And he burned Jeremiah’s message written on a scroll, which warned that God would use the new rising power, Babylon, to punish sinful Judah. Jehoiakim also refused to listen when Jeremiah encouraged him to pay bribe money to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in order to keep Judah from being attacked by the powerful Babylonian army. It was at this low point in Jeremiah’s ministry that he and his friend Baruch went into hiding and he wrote his “Confessions” (see 11.18-23; 12.1-6; 15.10,11,15-21; 17.14-18; 18.19-23; 20.7-18).

In 598 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah. He discovered that Jehoiakim had died, so he took Jehoiakim’s young son Jehoiachin (who ruled for only three months in 598) into captivity along with many leaders of the land. Nebuchadnezzar then put Zedekiah on the throne as a puppet king, and Judah was forced to pay heavy taxes to its Babylonian overlords.

Over the next ten years the situation in Judah got worse as the leaders and lying prophets plotted against both Babylon and Jeremiah. Because of his message of doom and his opinion that Judah should pay off Babylon to avoid attack, Jeremiah was considered by many to be a traitor. Jeremiah was beaten, put in prison, and then placed under house arrest. Finally, when King Zedekiah made an agreement with Egypt and broke his treaty with Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar returned and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C. He killed Zedekiah’s sons, blinded the king, and took him along with many of the Jewish people back to exile in Babylon (Jer 39; 52; 2 Kgs 24.18—25.21).

Jeremiah stayed in Jerusalem, where he tried to help those who were left behind. It was at this time that his message changed from doom and destruction to hope and the promise of a new agreement between the Lord and his people. Jeremiah and his loyal friend Baruch were forced to flee to Egypt when some Jewish rebels killed Gedaliah, the ruler Nebuchadnezzar had chosen to rule Judah. These rebels still considered Jeremiah to be a traitor. This is the last we know of this great prophet, who suffered so much on behalf of his beloved Judah.

How is Jeremiah constructed?

The message of Jeremiah is one of doom before the fall of Judah and one of hope after the fall. During Jeremiah’s career many major events occurred. His messages, however, do not describe these events in order. They are roughly grouped by subject, not by dates. This makes it confusing to read the book straight through. Not only are the messages out of order, but we find different types of writing in this book. Many of the book’s messages are written in a poetic form known as prophetic oracles. Other sections are sermon-like material similar to the speeches of Moses in Deuteronomy. Still other sections are narrative passages, which describe events in Jeremiah’s life and report the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. Some of the writing was done by Jeremiah’s friend Baruch, who wrote down parts of Jeremiah’s message on at least two different scrolls (Jer 36).

The following outline is one way that Jeremiah can be outlined:

1. Introducing Jeremiah, the Lord’s prophet (1.1-19)
2. Words of warning and punishment (2.1—25.38)
1. Jeremiah’s early messages (2.1—6.30)
2. Scenes from Jeremiah’s life (7.1—13.27)
3. A time of great sadness (14.1—17.27)
4. Plots on Jeremiah’s life and warnings to Judah (18.1—25.38)
3. Jeremiah against the lying prophets (26.1—29.32)
4. A homecoming and a new beginning (30.1—33.26)
5. Disaster for Judah and Jerusalem (34.1—44.30)
1. Scenes from Jeremiah’s ministry (34.1—38.28)
2. The fall of Jerusalem and the escape to Egypt (39.1—44.30)
6. The Lord’s judgment against the nations (45.1—51.64)
7. Another account of the fall of Jerusalem (52.1-34)

Introducing Jeremiah, the Lord’s Prophet

Jeremiah introduces himself and tells how God has chosen him to speak to the nation of Judah. Jeremiah is unwilling, but God insists, telling Jeremiah that his task is to bring words of doom and words of hope. Then God promises to protect Jeremiah, even though this task will be difficult.

Words of Warning and Punishment

In this long section (chapters 2–25), Jeremiah brings God’s words of judgment to Judah and its capital city, Jerusalem. At times God pleads with the people; at other times God threatens them with terrible visions, and sometimes Jeremiah is told to act out God’s message. Jeremiah’s life will be a living expression of God’s anger, disappointment, and sadness.

Jeremiah’s Early Messages

God’s people have been worshiping other gods and ignoring the agreement God made with them in the time of Moses.

Scenes from Jeremiah’s Life

Jeremiah preaches in the temple and acts out God’s message of doom. His life is threatened, and he complains to God. God’s punishment of Judah is certain.

A Time of Great Sadness

Jeremiah sees that Judah will be destroyed because of its people’s sins. The prophet grieves for his people and asks God to save them, even though God has made it clear that Judah will be punished.

Plots on Jeremiah’s Life and Warnings to Judah

Jeremiah is threatened and eventually imprisoned for his messages. A collection of sayings against the leaders of Judah is also found in this section.

Jeremiah Against the Lying Prophets

In chapters 26–29 Jeremiah confronts Judah’s leaders and the lying prophets. The first confrontation is his temple sermon delivered near the beginning of Jehoiakim’s reign (609 B.C.). The other incidents occur during the reign of Zedekiah (probably in 594 B.C.). Though part of his original warning came true when Nebuchadnezzar invaded in 598 B.C., Jeremiah warns that Judah’s punishment is not over, and that the people in Judah and those taken to live in far-away Babylon must endure more punishment. This message brings him into conflict with the so-called “lying prophets,” who argue that the worst is already over.

A Homecoming and a New Beginning

Jeremiah’s comforting words (30.1—31.40) declare that Judah’s weeping will be replaced by singing, and joy will overtake grief. The Lord will rescue, heal, and rebuild God’s people. And the Lord will make a new agreement with them (31.31-34). Jeremiah buys a piece of land (32), even though Nebuchadnezzar is about to take over all of Judah. His land purchase symbolizes how God’s people will one day be in charge of buying and selling their own land again (33).

Disaster for Judah and Jerusalem

This long section (chapters 34–44) includes scenes from Jeremiah’s ministry before the fall of Jerusalem and the tragic story of the fall itself. It ends with Jeremiah in Egypt, among the exiles.

Scenes from Jeremiah’s Ministry

Jeremiah and his message are attacked by people in power. He ends up in prison on the eve of the Babylonian attack of his beloved city, Jerusalem. Note that chapters 32,33 actually happen after Jeremiah is already imprisoned.

In the Days of the Fall of Jerusalem and the Escape to Egypt

Jerusalem is captured by the Babylonians, who take many of the people of Judah into exile. Jeremiah and others are left behind. But when another revolt occurs, the surviving Jewish refugees escape to Egypt, forcing Jeremiah to go with them.

The Lord’s Judgment Against the Nations

This section begins with a brief message to Jeremiah’s friend Baruch. He is promised the Lord’s protection in the midst of the disasters that will soon hit Judah and many other nations in the region. Then the nations near to and far from Judah are addressed in a series of prophecies of judgment preached in the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s rule (about 605 B.C.). The Lord is God not only of Israel but of the whole world. God stands in judgment of all peoples.

Another Account of the Fall of Jerusalem

This chapter supports Jeremiah’s prophecy as history bears witness to the truth of his message.

Questions about Jeremiah 1.1-19

1. How does Jeremiah try to excuse himself from being the prophet that the Lord wants him to be? How does God respond to Jeremiah? (1.4-8)

2. Compare Jeremiah 1 with Exodus 4 and Isaiah 6. How are the situations in these passages similar? How are they different?

3. What is the twofold message that Jeremiah is told to preach? (1.10,15,16) How will the people respond to Jeremiah’s message? (1.17,19)

4. How might you, your community, or the nation react to a similar message today? Why?

Questions about Jeremiah 2.1—6.30

1. What pictures does God use in chapters 2 and 3 to show the people what their unfaithfulness looks like?

2. How can Israel return to the Lord?(4.1-4)

3. The vision of the Lord’s day of judgment in 4.23-26 is a powerful one. What in this description gets your attention the most? Why?

4. The Lord’s “anger” is reported in 3.12 and 6.11. How do you react to a description of a God who is full of emotion? Why?

Questions about Jeremiah 7.1—13.27

1. Compare Jeremiah 7.9 in the temple sermon with the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20.1-17. Which of these commandments does Jeremiah say have been violated?

2. What does God want most? (9.24) How do you think God feels when people do not respond in this way?

3. What is the most striking comparison you find in Jeremiah’s comparison of false gods to the one true God? (Jer 10.1-16)

4. In his “Confessions,” Jeremiah shows that prayer means talking to God (1.18-23; 12.1-6). This can include complaining to God and questioning God’s ways. Does Jeremiah help you think differently about prayer? If so, in what ways? When have you had similar questions?

5. Looking back over this section. Where do you find evidence of Jeremiah’s anger and sorrow? Of God’s?

Questions about Jeremiah 14.1–17.27

1. When the people pray to God (14.7-9), what reason do they give for God saving them instead of punishing them? How sincere do you think their prayers are? Why? Are you surprised by the Lord’s response? (14.10) Why or why not?

2. See what happened when Moses prayed for his people in Exodus 32.11-14. Then read Jeremiah 15.1,2. What has happened since Moses’ time? Why does the Lord say now, “I wouldn’t change my mind”?

3. Jeremiah is told to live out his message in 16.1-10. What did this mean especially for his relationships with others? How do you think this made Jeremiah feel about being chosen as God’s prophet? How might it make you feel?

4. Review Jeremiah’s personal laments in 15.15-18 and 17.12-18. Note his honesty. Where do you see signs of his struggle with the Lord? Where do you see signs of his sadness?

5. Do you agree or disagree that difficult times can help us become stronger? Compare 17.5 to 17.17. From where can we find the better source of strength to face difficult times?

Questions about Jeremiah 18.1—25.38

1. What does Jeremiah ask the Lord to do about his enemies? (18.19-23) What is your reaction to his request? How do you deal with anger and bitterness? Compare Jeremiah’s prayer to Luke 6.27-29.

2. Compare what Jeremiah learns at the pottery shop in 18.1-8 with his “clay pot” message in chapter 19. What points do they have in common?

3. What do Jeremiah’s complaints to the Lord in 20.7-18 tell you about the prophet? About prayer?

4. Why do you think the leaders had such a hard time hearing Jeremiah? What in 21.3-10 would they find particularly difficult to follow?

5. Briefly summarize what you know so far about the kings who ruled during the time of Jeremiah: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah?

6. If you were the king of Judah, what would grab your attention in the prophecy of 22.13-30? Why?

7. How does Jeremiah describe the lying prophets in chapter 23? Why did the people have trouble telling the difference between true and false prophets?

8. How do Judah’s sins affect nearby nations? (25.1-33) In what ways do you think evil affects our own nation today?

Questions about Jeremiah 26.1—29.32

1. What was it about Jeremiah’s message in the temple (chapter 26) that put him in such danger? What was it that made the angry crowds change their mind about arresting and killing him?

2. What good news did the future hold for Nebuchadnezzar in 27.4-11? For the people of Judah if they listened to Jeremiah? What bad news does the future hold for Nebuchadnezzar, and for the people if they do not obey?

3. Read the promise made to the Jewish people living in exile (Jer 29.10-14). What is important about this message, especially regarding worshiping the Lord? What made this message “good” news for the exiles? Why do you think some considered it bad news?

4. What is Hananiah’s prophecy concerning Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon? (28.1-4) Jeremiah’s reaction to Hananiah’s message (28.5-9) is not a swift denial. Why? How do you think Jeremiah feels about the fate of his country? What is the relationship between his hopes and God’s judgment?

5. Why does Jeremiah write letters to the people of Judah living in Babylon? (29.1-23,30-32)

Questions about Jeremiah 30.1—33.26

1. Israel is described as God’s “favorite” in 31.9, and God’s “first-born” in Exod 4.22. What does this mean for Israel? What are the advantages of being the first-born child in a family? The disadvantages? What responsibilities often come with being the oldest child?

2. Compare Jeremiah 31.19 with the words of the prodigal son in Luke 15.17-19. In what ways is Israel like the prodigal son? How is God like the father in Luke’s story?

3. What is “new” about the new agreement in 31.31-34?

4. Imagine you are one of the witnesses to the sale of land in 32.1-14. How would you report this business transaction to someone else? What would you say about its timing? About Jeremiah?

5. Chapters 30–33 are full of remarkable and wonderful promises made to the people by God. What words of comfort do you think the exiled people would most cherish? What promises do you find most significant? Most comforting? Why?

Questions about Jeremiah 34.1—38.28

1. Why did Zedekiah act to free Hebrew slaves in 587 B.C.? (34.8-18) What prompted slave owners to force the feed slaves back into slavery? What do the owners’ actions tell you about their view of the Law? What happened because of the owners’ actions?

2. What was the lesson to be learned from the Rechabites in chapter 35? What, if anything, can be learned today from the Rechabites’ lifestyle and their attitude of keeping their vows no matter what?

3. What did King Jehoiakim do that disgusted Jeremiah so much? (36.20-26) If a prophet of God were to give a message to our political leaders today, what might his or her message be?

4. Compare and contrast the actions of Ebedmelech (38.1-13) and King Zedekiah (38.14-28). How do you account for the differences between the two men?

Questions about Jeremiah 39.1—44.30

1. What in the account of the fall of Jerusalem (39.1-10) do you find most stunning? What do you think would be most distressing to the people of that time?

2. What do you think motivated Ishmael to take the evil and treacherous actions he did? (40.13—41.15) How did his actions violate the trust of others and the laws of God?

3. What did the Judean survivors fear might happen after Gedeliah’s assassination? What was attractive about going to Egypt? (chapter 42) Why did the people ignore Jeremiah’s advice?

4. Describe a time when you ignored good advice, when you “went to Egypt,” or took the easy way out?

5. According to many of the Jewish refugees in Egypt, what events were the real cause for the destruction and fall of their homeland of Judah? (44.16-19) How did Jer-emiah’s interpretation differ from theirs? (44.2-14,20-23)

6. Do you agree or disagree with the theory that “those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are bound to repeat them”? Why? How might this be applied to the situation of the people of Judah in Jeremiah’s day? How might this apply to your own life?

Questions about Jeremiah 45.1—51.64

1. Review what you know about Jeremiah’s friend Baruch (see 32.12-14; 36.4-32). Then look at the message to Baruch in chapter 45. What is he promised there? Why might it have been difficult to be Jeremiah’s friend?

2. Review what the Lord says about the Egyptians, Philistines, and Moabites in chapters 46–48. Why do you think these foreign nations are included in Jeremiah’s prophecy? What images do you find particularly powerful? What hope is given in a number of these prophecies?

3. What were the sources of power for the nations addressed in chapter 49? In what did these nations trust? What will happen to them?

4. Babylon is addressed in chapters 50, 51. Compare the future of this great city with the future promised to Israel and Judah. How is it that Babylonia can be both God’s chosen instrument of judgment (13.9) and the target of God’s revenge (50,51)?

5. In the New Testament book of Revelation, “Babylon” was the code name used for the Roman Empire, enemy to Christian churches at that time. What made Babylon such a long-lasting symbol of evil? In what way, if any, is modern society like “Babylon”?

Questions about Jeremiah 52

1. Why do you think the book of Jeremiah ends with the account of the capture of Jerusalem? What does 52.2,3 tell you about the people? about the Lord?

2. The last verses of the book are concerned with the exiled king, Jehoiachin. In what ways did his life mirror that of all God’s people?

3. Choose two or three images from the book of Jeremiah that especially help you remember and understand the book’s message. Explain your choices.

4. How is the experience of “exile” painful? How can this experience or idea of exile be helpful to the life of faith?